Charter Night - 6.30 for 7.00pm

OVER 90 people attended the Rotary Club of Oswestry's Charter night recently when the Club's members and guests from around the district came together for a dinner to celebrate the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Oswestry Club.

The Club president Ian Haigh welcomed everyone to the evening - in particular, Molly Youd, the district's first female Rotary District Governor, and the evening's guest speaker John Croft.

After the meal, John entertained the gathering by recounting stories drawn from his lifelong interest in George Formby focussing on the complex relationship with his wife, the formidable Beryl Ingham.  The audience found it incredible that at one time George had been the biggest earning filmstar in the world.  George and Beryl were a complex team; not only was Beryl George's manager, putting together great deals for him, but she was also crucial to his performances.  The pair travelled everywhere together - even war zones to entertain the troops.

John brought his slot to a close with a well-received performance of a medley from the George Formby songbook which he accompanied on his own ukulele-banjo.

President Ian Haigh was delighted to be able to announce that the Oswestry Club had committed £500 to join with the Rotary Club of Northwich Vale Royal and the local Mombasa Bahari Club Rotary Club to progress a Global Grant Project in

partnership with the UK registered charity Under The Mango Tree.  The project will support education and provide clean water to benefit Kambe Timboni Nursery and Primary school in Kenya.  Peter Chapman, President of Northwich Vale Royal, said "We are very grateful for Oswestry's support.  We hope other Clubs in our District will join us and make this project happen."

In the final event of the evening, and a surprise to the recipient, District Governor Molly Youd awarded Rotarian Peter Hill with a Paul Harris Fellowship to recognise his outstanding service to Rotary since he joined the Rotary Club of Caterham in 1994.  DG Molly summed up the evening " I had a lovely night and it was great to have the honour of presenting a Paul Harris Fellowship to a very deserving Peter."

Dear Rotarians

88th Charter Anniversary Dinner - Monday 20th March 2017

I am pleased to invite the President, members, partners and friends of your Club to join me and the members of the Rotary Club of Oswestry at our 88th Charter Anniversary Dinner to be held in the Paddock Suite at The Wynnstay Hotel, Church Street, Oswestry, SY11 2SX on Monday 20th March 2017. Guests should arrive at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm dinner.  Dress will be black tie.  Free parking is available in the car park at the rear of the hotel.

We are delighted that this year we will be entertained by our Guest Speaker 'The Ukuleleman' Mr John Croft.  Currently President of Oswestry Borderland Rotary Club, John, a retired Geography teacher, member of the Ukulele Society of Great Britain, former President of the George Formby Society and friend and advisor to George Harrison on ukulele matters, will be demonstrating the ukulele and speaking about his enthusiasm for George Formby - a lifetime's passion.

The cost of the dinner this year is £26.50 per head for the full 4 course menu below. It would be most helpful if you could let me know, by Saturday 4th March, the names of those who wish to attend from your Club together with their choice of starter (S1 or S2) and main (M1, M2 or M3) by using the attached form which should be posted (or emailed back if paying on the night) using the addresses shown.  Please note any special dietary requirements. Payment in advance by enclosing a cheque payable to The Rotary Club of Oswestry with your summary would be appreciated.  Cancellations to be received by 16th March.
 
We are looking forward to welcoming Rotarians, partners and friends to what, we feel certain, will be a very enjoyable evening.

Yours sincerely


Ian Haigh
President of The Rotary Club of Oswestry
   

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